Description
Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites are a vibrant and flavorful appetizer featuring tender roasted shrimp seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, placed atop creamy guacamole and crisp corn tortilla chips. Garnished with fresh cilantro and crumbled cheese, these bites make a perfect party snack or starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 pound raw large shrimp
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Guacamole Topping
- 1 cup prepared guacamole
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (plus additional for garnish)
Assembly
- Bite-sized round corn tortilla chips (1 per shrimp)
- Crumbled feta cheese or queso fresco (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Shrimp: Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat it to 400 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, place the shrimp and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and kosher salt over them and toss well to coat evenly.
- Roast the Shrimp: Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast for 6 minutes or just until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through, taking care not to overcook to avoid toughness. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare Guacamole Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the prepared guacamole with fresh lime juice and 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro. Mix until well incorporated.
- Assemble the Bites: Place a spoonful of the guacamole mixture on each bite-sized tortilla chip. Top each with one roasted shrimp.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle additional fresh cilantro and crumbled feta cheese or queso fresco over the bites. Serve immediately at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed shrimp for best results; avoid overcooking shrimp to maintain tenderness.
- Prepared guacamole can be store-bought or homemade based on your preference.
- Substitute feta with queso fresco or your favorite crumbly cheese for varied flavor.
- These bites are best served immediately to keep the tortilla chips crisp.
- Add a sprinkle of extra chili powder if you prefer a spicier bite.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 40 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 97 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg
